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A review by knitreadkate
Ariadne by Jennifer Saint
adventurous
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
So, "Ariadne" by Jennifer Saint is like a new spin on those Greek myths we all kinda know, but it dives deep into the story of Ariadne, you know, the one from the whole Theseus and the Minotaur thing. I was more used to Madeline Miller's stuff and the Disney version of Heracles, so this was a bit of a switch-up.
Characterisation:
The characters in "Ariadne" are a mixed bag. Ariadne's journey is front and center, and it's a rollercoaster of love, betrayal, and resilience. The way they write Pasiphae and the differences in writing styles with Madelline Miller took me a bit to wrap my head around. I appreciated the compassion and different view.
The characters in "Ariadne" are a mixed bag. Ariadne's journey is front and center, and it's a rollercoaster of love, betrayal, and resilience. The way they write Pasiphae and the differences in writing styles with Madelline Miller took me a bit to wrap my head around. I appreciated the compassion and different view.
Writing Style:
Saint's writing style is kinda unique, mixing a bit of fancy talk with straightforwardness. After reading "Circe" last year, it took me a bit to get into the groove.
Saint's writing style is kinda unique, mixing a bit of fancy talk with straightforwardness. After reading "Circe" last year, it took me a bit to get into the groove.
Themes and Messages:
This book goes all out on the theme of how women get a raw deal from both men and the gods. It's like, even if they're rolling with a dude or the dude messed up, the women end up with the short end of the stick. The book really hammers home how unfair it all is for women in ancient Greece.
This book goes all out on the theme of how women get a raw deal from both men and the gods. It's like, even if they're rolling with a dude or the dude messed up, the women end up with the short end of the stick. The book really hammers home how unfair it all is for women in ancient Greece.
World-Building:
I really appreciated the description of Naxos, I felt that was very clear to see. But, I gotta say, the picture of Crete and Athens wasn't as vivid. I was kinda hoping for more detail in those spots.
I really appreciated the description of Naxos, I felt that was very clear to see. But, I gotta say, the picture of Crete and Athens wasn't as vivid. I was kinda hoping for more detail in those spots.
Pacing:
The first half of the book is a bit of a slow burn. It took some effort to stick with it, but then the second half kicks in, and it's like, "Hold on, we're on a ride now!" Shifting between Phaedra and Ariadne keeps it interesting, but I scratched my head a bit at Phaedra's ending and her strange one-sided romance. Something felt a bit off.
The first half of the book is a bit of a slow burn. It took some effort to stick with it, but then the second half kicks in, and it's like, "Hold on, we're on a ride now!" Shifting between Phaedra and Ariadne keeps it interesting, but I scratched my head a bit at Phaedra's ending and her strange one-sided romance. Something felt a bit off.
Final Thoughts:
So, "Ariadne" was a good time. I loved soaking up the vibes in Naxos, but Crete and Athens could've used some more love in the description department. The rushed ending hits you in the feels, especially with Ariadne dealing with that abandonment stuff. Not perfect, but "Ariadne" is a cool journey into a different side of Greek myths, and I'd recommend it for sure if you're not already familiar with her story.
I have no prior experience or knowledge of Greek myths, so my review my be biased as this is the only story of Ariadne I have read.
So, "Ariadne" was a good time. I loved soaking up the vibes in Naxos, but Crete and Athens could've used some more love in the description department. The rushed ending hits you in the feels, especially with Ariadne dealing with that abandonment stuff. Not perfect, but "Ariadne" is a cool journey into a different side of Greek myths, and I'd recommend it for sure if you're not already familiar with her story.
I have no prior experience or knowledge of Greek myths, so my review my be biased as this is the only story of Ariadne I have read.